Alexis Levinson

Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz was the lone senator and one of two Republicans in the congressional delegation that attended the memorial for former South African President Nelson Mandela, and the 20-hour flight gave Democrats plenty of time to give him an “earful.”

Cruz joined Illinois Republican Rep. Aaron Schock and 20 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, all Democrats, in attending the funeral.

“He got an earful from many of us — I mean it was a very good conversation, nothing negative,” Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings told the Baltimore Sun. “I just reminded him that I’m concerned about the many people in my state and his state who have no health insurance.”

Cummings said that Georgia Democratic Rep. John Lewis was one of the ones sparring with Cruz.

Cruz’s flight back to the U.S. is not likely to be anymore restful.

“I know he got an earful for 20 hours out, and he’s going to get another earful for 20 hours on the way back,” Cummings said.

The Maryland Democrat said his interaction with Cruz had left him quite certain that Cruz felt his future lay outside of the Senate chamber.

“It’s clear to me he’s running for president — I don’t have any doubt about it,” Cummings said.